Casing Valves System for Selective Well Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well stimulation systems obstruct the casing interior with coiled tubing or balls, reducing flow area and requiring costly and time-consuming interventions for subsequent operations, and are often inoperable after initial stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A well system with remotely operable casing valves cemented in the wellbore, allowing selective fluid flow control without the need for intervention or pressure application, using external lines to operate valves that can be opened and closed sequentially to stimulate multiple intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coiled tubing or balls are used to operate valves in the casing string, then the valves can be opened and closed for stimulation operations, but the interior of the casing string is obstructed, reducing the flow area available for pumping stimulation fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve operation mechanism from the casing string interior by using external actuation lines. The valves remain in the casing string to control flow, but the operation is performed through external lines connected to the valves, eliminating the need to drop balls or use coiled tubing inside the casing string. This removes the obstruction while preserving valve functionality.
2Ease of operation
If balls are dropped into the casing string to operate valves, then the valves can be shifted for stimulation, but the system requires costly and time-consuming intervention into the well for subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces external actuation lines as an intermediary mechanism between the surface control system and the downhole valves. These lines transmit hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to operate the valves without requiring physical intervention into the wellbore. The external lines serve as a mediator that enables remote valve operation, eliminating the need for repeated well interventions.
3Ease of operation
If coiled tubing is used to manipulate valves, then the valves can be operated for stimulation, but the system is inoperable after the initial stimulation operations are completed or requires intervention into the well
Solution Approach 1:
The external actuation lines provide a universal control mechanism that can operate the valves for multiple purposes beyond initial stimulation. The same external lines can be used to open and close valves for testing, production control, and future stimulation operations. This multi-functional system maintains reliability for repeated operations without requiring well intervention.
4Ease of operation
If the valve system requires intervention into the casing or pressure application to operate, then the valves can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and requires additional equipment and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operational complexity from the wellbore interior by using external actuation lines. The valve control function is separated from the stimulation fluid delivery system, allowing independent operation through external lines. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex internal mechanisms and reducing the equipment required within the wellbore.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective selective stimulation and control of well flow without obstructing the casing interior, allowing for remote operation and repeated use of valves without intervention, facilitating testing and production operations.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure differentials applied to the pistons are operative to displace the sleeve between its open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
The casing string, valve and line are cemented in a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for use in a tubular string in a subterranean well includes a sleeve having first and second opposite ends, the sleeve being displaceable between open and closed positions to thereby selectively permit and prevent flow through a sidewall of a housing assembly, and a first and second pistons at the respective first and second ends of the sleeve. Pressure differentials applied to the first and second pistons are operative to displace the sleeve between its open and closed positions.